Behavioral perspective

Definition

The behavioral perspective is a psychological approach that focuses on observable behaviors and the ways they are learned and reinforced. This viewpoint emphasizes the impact of external stimuli on behavior, which can include media influences such as violence and pornography. By understanding how these forms of media can shape audience reactions and actions, researchers can assess their broader societal implications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The behavioral perspective asserts that behaviors are learned from the environment and can be changed through new learning experiences.
2. Media violence can lead to aggressive behavior in audiences, as individuals may imitate what they see in films, video games, or other forms of entertainment.
3. Exposure to pornography can influence attitudes toward sex and relationships, shaping expectations and potentially leading to unrealistic beliefs.
4. The concept of reinforcement plays a crucial role in the behavioral perspective, where positive outcomes can strengthen the likelihood of certain behaviors being repeated.
5. Research has shown that both desensitization and habituation can occur as a result of prolonged exposure to violent media, altering viewers' emotional responses over time.

Review Questions

• How does the behavioral perspective explain the connection between media violence and aggressive behavior in audiences?
  • The behavioral perspective posits that aggressive behaviors can be learned through observation of media violence. When audiences view violent acts portrayed in movies or video games, they may imitate these behaviors, particularly if they perceive them as rewarding or reinforced. This learning process highlights the powerful influence media has on shaping individual behaviors and societal norms regarding aggression.
• Evaluate how desensitization affects viewers' reactions to media violence according to the behavioral perspective.
  • Desensitization refers to the diminished emotional responsiveness to repeated exposure to violent content. According to the behavioral perspective, as individuals frequently consume violent media, they may become less sensitive to its impacts, which can lead to increased tolerance for real-life violence. This change in perception underscores the significant role media plays in altering emotional responses and behavior over time.
• Assess the implications of the behavioral perspective on pornography consumption and its potential impact on societal attitudes toward sex.
  • The behavioral perspective suggests that pornography consumption can shape societal attitudes towards sex by modeling behaviors that viewers may adopt. Through mechanisms like operant conditioning, where certain sexual attitudes are reinforced by positive experiences associated with pornographic content, individuals may develop unrealistic expectations about relationships and intimacy. This ongoing reinforcement creates a cycle where both individual behavior and broader societal norms regarding sexuality are influenced by media portrayals.

Related terms

Operant Conditioning: A learning process through which the strength of a behavior is modified by reinforcement or punishment.

Desensitization: The process by which individuals become less sensitive to emotional stimuli, often as a result of repeated exposure to violence or graphic content in media.

Social Learning Theory: A theory that suggests people learn behaviors through observation and imitation of others, particularly those portrayed in media.